Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport is preparing for a significant increase in air traffic and passenger volume as the city gets ready to host the UEFA Champions League final for the first time. The final, set for May 30, will conclude the 71st season of Europe’s premier club competition, now in its 34th year under the name UEFA Champions League.
The upcoming 2025/26 UCL final, featuring Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, will take place at Puskas Arena, Hungary’s new national stadium inaugurated on November 15, 2019. Budapest Airport anticipates a doubling of flight activity between May 29 and 31, with nearly 800 flights expected daily over the final weekend, a historical high for the airport.
In response to the surge in traffic, the airport foresees a rise in charter flights and private aircraft, especially on routes connecting London and Paris. Hungarian Minister of Transport and Investment David Vitezy highlighted the unprecedented passenger pressure expected during the Champions League final, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among authorities and operators to ensure smooth transportation services.
Budapest Airport advises passengers traveling on the match day and the preceding days to arrive at least two and a half hours before departure, or earlier if recommended by their airline, to ensure timely boarding and flight connections.
